Lobby demands asylum for Sadiq

ABOUT 30 people lobbied Keith Hill MP's surgery in Lambeth on 15 September calling for asylum for Sadiq Abakar, a refugee from the Darfur war zone.

Keith Hill met a delegation who raised the question of the Home Office colluding with the Sudanese authorities in deporting Darfur refugees. The MP responded that he would look into these 'very serious' allegations. Sadiq also complained at the threat of being tagged for no crime. Mr Hill replied that he was unaware that this happened to asylum seekers.

The delegation presented evidence provided by a Channel 4 reporter who frequently travels in Darfur. He confirmed Sadiq's claims of the danger he would face on return. The evidence also confirmed the murder of Sadiq's father by the Janjaweed militia.

Keith Hill said he had already done a lot for Sadiq although, amazingly, he reported that he was unaware that he came from Darfur.

Over 1,000 people have now signed a petition for Sadiq. Local trade unions back his campaign as do many others. Sadiq's case is strong but the asylum system is difficult to move. Sadiq has had two cases refuted, he is on his third.

The campaign has pledged that the next time he registers as an asylum seeker he will not do so alone.